Cycles: The Mysterious Forces That Trigger Events

by Edward R. Dewey, Og Mandino

Edward R. Dewey, as chief economist in the Hoover Administration, was tasked by President Hoover to figure out what caused the 1929 stock market crash and ensuing depression. In the course of his extensive investigations, he became convinced that something important was missing from our collective knowledge of how economies and societies work—a working knowledge of cycles.

He was joined in his quest to establish a “science of cycles” by other leaders of his time, including Ivy League scientists, Smithsonian Directors, Industrial CEOs, Ambassadors, and political leaders.

First published in 1971, The Mysterious Forces that Trigger Events was Dewey’s answer to President Hoover’s question and to many more questions which had arisen from his decades of research.

Are there cycles in nature? In war? On Wall Street? In the universe? In you? Are cycles across different phenomena aligned with each other?

Find out in this compelling book!

You can also learn more about how Dewey’s work continues today at cycles.org.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

Reviews

[McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up to 5 stars.

I read this book as a teenager, and its content always stuck with me, so I've read it again, now that I have some more experience of the world under my belt.

Whilst not drawing any firm conclusions, the book highlights how certain things/events occur like regular clockwork (cycles) and have done, in many cases, for hundreds and thousands of years. This can vary from wheat production, salmon fertility rates, stock prices, and even affecting the rings inside trees. As someone interested in cycles, I've been waiting eagerly to see if the property market collapses in mid-2026, and what event we will pin the blame on for this (rather than knowing 18 and half years in advance that the regular cycle for this collapse has been true for the previous 200 years).

If you think about it, everything is about recurring cycles, from the rising sun to you brushing your teeth. It's not a brilliant book because it doesn't manage to tie everything together, but it is a fascinating book which makes you aware of so much more we either didn't know, or were oblivious to.

[Matt Hutson · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Cycles" by Edward R. Dewey, published in 1971, aims to explore the patterns and rhythms that repeat throughout history, particularly in economics and other aspects of human activity. At its core, the book is a pioneering attempt to chart the cyclical nature of various phenomena, drawing on a wealth of historical data to identify recurring patterns.

For its time, Dewey's work could have been considered groundbreaking, especially in its suggestion that cycles govern much of the economic and social behavior that might otherwise appear random or chaotic. However, from a modern perspective, many of the concepts Dewey discusses may seem more obvious, reflecting a broader acceptance and understanding of cyclical theories in contemporary thought.

Dewey was the founder of the Foundation for the Study of Cycles, and his work in this book is largely an outgrowth of the research conducted there. The idea that cycles exist in many facets of life—from stock market trends to natural phenomena like weather patterns—has since become more widely accepted, particularly in fields like economics and environmental science. Dewey's thesis is that these cycles are not just coincidental but are instead fundamental to the structure of the world, affecting everything from the rise and fall of civilizations to individual human behavior.

However, despite the potential depth of this subject, "Cycles" only scratches the surface. Dewey's work is broad, touching on a wide range of cycles without delving deeply into the specifics of any single one. For instance, while he provides examples of economic cycles, agricultural cycles, and even biological cycles, he does not offer a detailed exploration of the underlying causes or the mechanisms by which these cycles operate. This broad approach may have been intended to make the book more accessible to a general audience, but it also leaves readers like myself wanting more.

One of the most significant shortcomings of "Cycles" is its lack of resources for further study. Dewey provides readers with an intriguing introduction to the concept of cycles, but he does not include any substantial references or a bibliography that would allow interested readers to delve deeper into the subject. I'm a huge advocate for in-depth studies and proof in the reference section, which builds credibility. This book doesn't have it. In today’s context, this absence is particularly frustrating, but luckily, there's a wealth of research and literature available on the subject now that's invaluable to readers looking to expand their understanding.

In reflecting on "Cycles," it is clear that Dewey’s work, while innovative for its time, now seems somewhat dated. The basic idea that cycles are an inherent part of human and natural systems is no longer revolutionary, and the book’s lack of depth makes it feel more like a starting point rather than a comprehensive guide. In the years since its publication, the study of cycles has advanced considerably, with new theories and more sophisticated models offering a deeper understanding of how these patterns shape our world.

In conclusion, "Cycles" by Edward R. Dewey serves as an important historical document in the study of cyclical phenomena, but it falls short of providing detailed analysis and resources that modern readers might expect. While it offers a broad overview of the concept, those looking for a more in-depth exploration of the effects of cycles on humanity and the natural world may find it lacking. The book’s broad scope, which might have made it accessible to a wider audience, ultimately limits its usefulness as a serious study of cyclical patterns.